17 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills in 2026

Turn your thermostat down 1°C — saves around £115/year. Switch to LED bulbs if you haven't already — saves £40/year. Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle. Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C. Switch off devices at the plug rather than leaving on standby — saves up to £60/year. Use the dishwasher's eco mode. Take showers instead of baths (a 5-minute shower uses 40L vs 150L for a bath). Turn off heating in rooms you don't use.

Draught excluders for doors and letterboxes — £5-£20, saves £60/year. Reflector panels behind radiators — £10-£30, reflects heat back into the room. Smart plug timers for heating and hot water — £15-£30. Thermal curtains — £30-£80, particularly effective on older single-glazed windows. Bleeding radiators regularly ensures they heat efficiently.

Smart meter: free from your energy supplier, helps identify waste and remove estimated bills. Loft insulation: £300 installation cost saves £215/year (payback under 2 years, often subsidised). Cavity wall insulation: £400-£600, saves £275/year. Heat pump: larger investment (£7,000-£15,000) but eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£7,500). Solar panels: £6,000-£8,000, typically save £500-£700/year. Check if you qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme or ECO4 for subsidised upgrades.